NHK's documentary series "Houses That Make You Curious" (NHK General), which explores the unexpected stories hidden within intriguing houses found around town, such as quaint Western-style mansions and estates hidden behind hedges, will air "The White House in the Alley: Uguisudani, Tokyo" on June 20th at 6:05 PM.
Near Uguisudani Station in Tokyo, the Negishi area is a quiet residential neighborhood where Masaoka Shiki once lived. Deep in a certain alley, there is a Western-style house covered in ivy. Children whisper that this house is haunted by ghosts, but in fact, it was once home to Mutsu Munemitsu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the Meiji era, and his wife, Ryoko.
What kind of life did Ryoko, who was celebrated as the "flower of the Rokumeikan," lead? Over time, a person connected to Lafcadio Hearn purchased the house. Now, his descendants live in the house, but initially, it was in a dilapidated state...
